2027 Australian Crucible Elder Retreat

Men and Women Taking the Wisdom Journey Home!

Sisters of St. John of God Retreat Center, Shoalwater | April 19-22, 2027

Our world, including Crucible, needs servant elders – those who model and share their godly character and serve willingly and intentionally. It’s time for us to shift out of our first half of life’s “heroic journey”- that which got us where we are – to the second half of life’s “wisdom journey”, where we bring openhanded grace to share what we have learned with wisdom and humility. It’s easy to become old without maturity, to be opinionated without understanding, and wanting respect without having earned it. This retreat will initiate us on our elder journey together to grow as men and women of character, acceptance, and understanding. This retreat will help us bring our eldership with purpose and intentionality into our worlds.

When: Monday, April 19 - Retreat begins 7:00pm (arrive any time 4:30-5:30pm) to Thursday, April 22 - 3:00pm approximately. 

Where: Sisters of St. John of God Retreat Center, Shoalwater

Cost: $895

Retreat Eligibility:

  1. TCP Retreat Elders, or
  2. Initiated individuals who are committed to living out eldership in their communities, or
  3. Other individuals who are committed to living out eldership in their communities.

For those fitting the above eligibility criteria, priority will be given to adults aged 55+.

Maximum retreat count: 26 participants

About the retreat (what to expect):

  • The retreat will be at the Sisters of St. John of God Retreat Center in Shoalwater. They will provide private motel-like bedrooms which include private bathrooms, meeting rooms, food services, and the grounds of the retreat center which we will utilize for the retreat.
  • The retreat and this venue are a respite from the daily grind. While not primitive, it's intended to be reclusive. While initiatory in it's arc, not an ordeal to endure.
  • It’s April in WA. It could be rainy, hot or it could be cool. Pack accordingly.
  • The retreat site information can be seen here: Sisters of St. John of God Retreat Center facilities

Application Form (click here)

Applications will be reviewed within 3 weeks of submission and acceptance will be confirmed shortly thereafter. Once confirmed, you will be asked to pay a deposit of $100 to secure your place. 

Places will go to the first 26 adults who meet the criteria for this retreat, and who pay their deposit of $100.  A waiting list will be established when the retreat is full.

While this retreat will be based on contemplative Christian principles, there is no expectation that participants need hold Christian faith in order to experience this elder initiation. 

Expect to receive pre-retreat assignments, packing list, and directions to the facility upon acceptance and payment of deposit. There may be additional communications about travel and other retreat preparations. Full payment is due by 31 March.